Watford are keeping a close eye on their little magician Fernando Forestieri after he took a painful whack to the face.

The Argentinean playmaker missed the 2-1 win over Brentford on Tuesday after his eye swelled up following a clash three days earlier at Blackburn.

Watford would love to have him available to face the Seagulls, who he tormented when they were beaten 2-0 at Vicarage Road eight months ago.

But boss Billy McKinlay will take no risks with one of his prized assets.

McKinlay said: “Some people thought it was innocuous – ie, the match officials – which turned out not to be the case.

“We will assess it again. It’s a tricky one.

“The problem is it’s in such a sensitive area. We need to make sure he is comfortable with it and capable of playing with it. We will have a chat about it.”

Watford are definitely missing striker Troy Deeney, ex-Albion midfielder Keith Andrews and centre-back Gabriel Tamas to injury while left-back Daniel Pudil is suspended.